The laptop should have been supplied with a "Notebook Utility CD" which contains a copy of the drivers and user manual.

The 8115 is basically a rebadged Uniwill L51II3 (you should see this printed on the underside of the laptop) so you can also get the drivers and user manual from the ECS website.

Memory Upgrades

This laptop has two memory slots, one of which is accessed by removing the panel underneath the laptop the other by removing the keyboard.

To install the DIMM under the System Device Cover, do the following:

Power OFF the notebook. Unplug the AC cord and all cables/devices attached to the notebook. Remove the battery

Place your hand on a large metal object momentarily to discharge any static electricity. Place the notebook on a flat surface and fully close the LCD lid

Locate and remove 9 Screw A’s on the System Device Cover

Remove the System Device Cover. The DIMM socket is now visible

If you need to remove an old DIMM from the socket, press out on the latches located on both edges of the socket at the same time. The DIMM should pop up to an angle of 30 degree. Pull the DIMM module out of the memory socket.

Install the new DIMM module into the memory socket. The DIMM will only fit in one orientation. Insert the DIMM at an angle of approximately 30 degrees into the empty memory socket. Then press it firmly so that the contact edge is driven into the receiving socket

Pivot the DIMM until the latches on both sides of the socket snap into place.

Put the System Device Cover back and tighten 9 Screw A’s

To install the DIMM under the keyboard, do the following:

Remove Screw D

Find the keyboard latches near the edges of the keyboard. The latch is spring-loaded. It will retract when pressed and revert back to its original position when released. Use a small blade to press the latch inward. The keyboard tray should pop up slightly over the latch. If the keyboard tray does not pop up, try to gently lift it up slightly above the latch. Repeat this step for the other keyboard latches

Carefully lift up the top edge and position the keyboard out of the way

The memory slot should now be visible. If you can't see it then it may be hidden under a metal plate which is accessed by removing the single retaining screw

If you need to remove an old DIMM from the socket, press out on the latches located on both edges of the socket at the same time. The DIMM should pop up to an angle of 30 degree. Pull the DIMM module out of the memory socket

Install the new DIMM module into the memory socket. The DIMM will only fit in one orientation. Insert the DIMM at an angle of approximately 30 degrees into the empty memory socket. Then press it firmly so that the contact edge is driven into the receiving socket

Pivot the DIMM until the latches on both sides of the socket snap into place

Put the keyboard back to its original position. Make sure the edge of the keyboard now resides under the spring-loaded latches

Re-attached Screw D

Adding RAM is the most cost effective way to boost your computer's performance.

Recovery Disc

Hard Drive Recovery

Should your Windows develop serious errors or fail to start, you can restore your computer back to factory settings by using the hard drive recovery located on a hidden partition on the hard drive.

To restore your computer back to factory settings, follow the steps below:

Turn on the computer and keep tapping F8 until the advanced options menu is displayed

Use the up/down arrow keys on the keyboard to highlight Repair Your Computer and press enter to select it

Select the language you wish to install (normally English is the only option)

Once you have chosen your language you will be presented with the available recovery options

Microsoft Repair Environment - after choosing the UK keyboard layout you will be asked to choose the Operating System you wish to repair. If Windows Vista is not listed then you cannot repair the OS without doing the full recovery. After choosing Vista the Microsoft Vista startup repair tool will run and attempt to repair any startup problems you are experiencing

Reinstall Windows - gives you the options available to reinstall Vista

Advanced Options - this launches the diagnostic centre allowing you to run chkdsk, launch notepad or bring up a command prompt

Exit & restart computer - Exits withut running the recovery process

To continue with the recovery program you need to choose Reinstall Windows

On the next screen you have the ability to launch Vista System Restore and roll back to a date when Vista was last working ok or to run the Full Destructive Recovery. To continue with the recovery program you need to choose Start Full Destructive Recovery

After choosing the Full Destructive Recovery option you are presented with the warning screen that all data will be lost. It is important to make sure all data has been backed up to disk if possible and to realise this process deletes all data and reverts the machine back to it's default state. To continue with the recovery program you need to tick the box indicating you are aware of data loss

The recovery process will then run through, the computer will restart a couple of times during this. You will also need to go through the Vista "Out of Box Experience", to configure Vista. This is fairly straightforward so just follow the onscreen instructions

Recovery DVD Creator

Your computer comes supplied with a hard drive based recovery allowing you to reinstall Windows Vista very easily should the need arise. You also have the ability to create a recovery DVD which is recommended on all machines. To create a recovery DVD (note - you cannot use CDs) do the following.

Double click on the Techguys DVD icon on the desktop or from the start menu

The first screen will prompt you to insert a DVD into your drive. Click OK.

On the next screen make sure your DVD drive is selected in the 'To' field. To reduce the risk of errors ensure the write speed is set to the lowest value and tick verify recorded data. Click Burn

Once the process has completed, label your DVD, keep it in a safe place and in a protective case to avoid damage

DVD Recovery

Should your Windows develop serious errors or fail to start, you can restore your computer back to factory settings by using the Recovery DVD you may have created or been sent.

To restore your computer back to factory settings, follow the steps below.

Start the computer with the Recovery DVD in the optical disc drive

After the usual startup screen has vanished press a key when prompted to load from the DVD

Select the language you wish to install (normally English is the only option)

Once you have chosen your language you will be presented with the available recovery options

Microsoft Repair Environment - after choosing the UK keyboard layout you will be asked to choose the Operating System you wish to repair. If Windows Vista is not listed then you cannot repair the OS without doing the full recovery. After choosing Vista the Microsoft Vista startup repair tool will run and attempt to repair any startup problems you are experiencing

Reinstall Windows - gives you the options available to reinstall Vista

Advanced Options - this launches the diagnostic centre allowing you to run chkdsk, launch notepad or bring up a command prompt

Exit & restart computer - Exits withut running the recovery process

To continue with the recovery program you need to choose Reinstall Windows

On the next screen you have the ability to launch Vista System Restore and roll back to a date when Vista was last working ok or to run the Full Destructive Recovery. To continue with the recovery program you need to choose Start Full Destructive Recovery

After choosing the Full Destructive Recovery option you are presented with the warning screen that all data will be lost. It is important to make sure all data has been backed up to disk if possible and to realise this process deletes all data and reverts the machine back to it's default state. To continue with the recovery program you need to tick the box indicating you are aware of data loss

The recovery process will then run through, reinstalling Vista and also recreating the hard drive recovery system for future use.

When it has finished copying files it will ask you to remove the DVD and then restart the computer. It will then go through setting up Vista, you will need to go through the Vista "Out of Box Experience". This is fairly straightforward so just follow the onscreen instructions

Useful Links

Repairs and Spares

All official service and support is handled by Knowhow (basically "The Tech Guys" under a new name), their website is http://www.knowhow.com/. If you laptop is covered under warranty then you need to contact them for repairs.

There are also plenty of other companies that do repairs or supply spare parts, here is a selection -